The Jocks Have a Dream Experience in Las Vegas

Long-Time Glen Fans See NASCAR Awards Ceremony Up-Close and Personal

Wayne and Judy Jock were not sure what to expect as they departed the Albany, NY airport on Tuesday, December 1 for Las Vegas, NV and the NASCAR Awards Ceremony. As it turned out, the entire trip was everything that the Fort Covington, NY natives could have dreamed of and more. The Jocks were selected from a list of long-time Glen ticket holders as a sign of appreciation for their 14 years of attending The Glen’s annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event weekend.

“The whole thing was an unbelievable experience and something we never thought we would ever get to do,” said Wayne Jock. “WGI went above and beyond anything we could have dreamed of and the attention they gave us was what made it so special and memorable. Everything was excellent and first class. We had a ball.”

The Jocks kicked-off their time in Las Vegas with the Fan Fest held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Wednesday, December 2. The couple had the opportunity to walk throughout the exclusive Neon Garage, take pictures next to the show cars for each driver that qualified for The Chase for the Sprint Cup, and listen to live music but each of those paled in comparison to the highlight of the event – the top stars of NASCAR walking the red carpet to attend a roast of champion Jimmie Johnson. The Jock’s laid claim to their space next to the red carpet over a hour before the drivers arrived but it was well worth it as they got autographs from Johnson, Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin, Mark Martin, Ryan Newman, and Judy’s favorite driver – Tony Stewart. The fun was not over when the Fan Fest ended that evening as Wayne and Judy were treated to dinner at the elegant Daniel Boulud Brasserie in the Wynn Resort by WGI president Michael Printup. Printup and the Jocks shared the restaurant with guests of the Wynn as well as CEO and chairman of NASCAR Brian France, president of NASCAR Mike Helton, and championship winner team owner Rick Hendrick.

Wayne and Judy Jock’s adventure through Las Vegas also included viewing the Victory Lap along the Vegas Strip from the MGM Grand, watching the 3rd Annual Stewie Awards being broadcast from the Rio Resort and Casino, and several pictures by the famed “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign with Printup. NASCAR hosted a fan reception prior to the awards ceremony during which the Jocks had the opportunity to meet and have their picture taken with Mike Helton. All this was the warm up for the highlight of the trip, seats at the annual NASCAR Awards Ceremony at the Wynn Resort on the night of December 4.

“The awards show was our favorite event but the red carpet at the Fan Fest was a very close second,” said Jock. “It was surprising how down to earth-the-drivers were when they spoke with us. The week just went by way too fast.”

Tickets for the entire 2010 season including the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at The Glen, August 5-8, and Camping World Grand Prix at The Glen, July 2-4, weekends are on sale now! Fans can take advantage of advanced sale prices and new options by calling the Watkins Glen International ticket office at 866-461-RACE (7223) or logging on to the official website, www.TheGlen.com. Tickets, gift certificates and track merchandise can all be purchased at The Shop located at 2 North Franklin Street in downtown Watkins Glen. The Shop is open Monday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 9-4, and is closed Sunday.